Meter to Kilometer Converter (m to km)
Instantly convert between meters and kilometers using this accurate tool. Ideal for runners, scientists, engineers, and students needing quick conversions. 100% free and browser-based.
Conversion Formula
1 meter (m) = 0.001 kilometer (km)
To convert meters to kilometers:
kilometers = meters ÷ 1,000
Example: 2,500 m ÷ 1,000 = 2.5 km
Meter to Kilometer Conversion Table
| Meters (m) | Kilometers (km) |
|---|---|
| 100 m | 0.1 km |
| 250 m | 0.25 km |
| 500 m | 0.5 km |
| 1,000 m | 1 km |
| 1,500 m | 1.5 km |
| 2,000 m | 2 km |
| 5,000 m | 5 km |
| 10,000 m | 10 km |
| 21,097 m | 21.097 km |
| 42,195 m | 42.195 km |
| 100,000 m | 100 km |
Practical Examples
- Running track: 400 m = 0.4 km (standard outdoor track lap)
- School zone distance: 1,000 m = 1 km
- Walking commute: 2,500 m = 2.5 km (approx. 30-minute walk)
Professional Applications
- Urban planning: Mapping distances between transit stations
- Civil engineering: Roadway length and signage design
- Marathon event planning: Accurate route marking
- Surveying: Determining long boundary lines in kilometers
Reference: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Definition and Background
What is a Meter?
The meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). Originally defined in 1793 as:
- 1/10,000,000 of the distance from the equator to the North Pole
- Now defined as the distance light travels in 1/299,792,458 of a second
What is a Kilometer?
A kilometer (km) is a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is commonly used in road distances, sports, and mapping systems across the world.
- Greek “kilo”: means one thousand
- “Meter”: from the Greek “metron”, meaning measure
Metric System Hierarchy
| Unit | Symbol | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Millimeter | mm | 0.001 m |
| Centimeter | cm | 0.01 m |
| Decimeter | dm | 0.1 m |
| Meter | m | 1 m |
| Dekameter | dam | 10 m |
| Hectometer | hm | 100 m |
| Kilometer | km | 1,000 m |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why convert from meters to kilometers?
Kilometers are ideal for expressing longer distances, especially in travel, road signage, and athletics. Converting meters to kilometers simplifies large values for readability.
Is 1,000 meters equal to 1 kilometer?
Yes. By definition, 1 kilometer (km) is exactly equal to 1,000 meters (m).
When should I use kilometers instead of meters?
Use kilometers when the distance is more than a few hundred meters, especially in transportation, maps, or geographic measurement.
Are kilometers used globally?
Yes. Kilometers are part of the metric system and are used almost everywhere except in the United States and a few other regions.